Belotero Balance

Belotero Balance like Juvederm and Restylane is a Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. However, Belotero Balance is a newer generation Hyaluronic acid gel manufactured in a way so that it can be used in very superficial fine lines and wrinkles without having to worry as much about lumps and bumps and the Tyndall effect.

When injected too superficially in the dermis, most hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane will create the Tyndall effect, a bluish discoloration due to the optical properties of the filler used. This unwanted side effect is a non-issue with Belotero Balance.

When we lost the use of collagen in the market place, which was good for fine lines, we really did not have a good fine line filler to take its place until Belotero Balance. We at skin specifics and our clients have been very happy with the ability of Belotero Balance to fill and lift off those etched in lines on the side of the face, upper lip area, and lower nasolabial folds. We have also been using Belotero Balance for superficial tear trough deformities as well as around the crows’ feet with very satisfactory results and no Tyndall Effect.

What we like most about Belotero Balance is it’s ability to get those fine lines without creating a puffy look and without the Tyndall effect described above as happens commonly if Juvederm or Restylane were to be injected too superficially. Belotero Balance however does not replace Juvederm as our favorite filler at skin specifics for nasolabial folds, lips, marionette lines and cheek enhancement. We continue to also use Juvederm Ultra for deep tear trough deformities.

Unlike Juvederm and Restylane however, Belotero Balance does not have built-in anesthetic, and can be a little painful when injected if the area is not anesthetized well. Sometimes we do mix the Belotero Balance in a little lidocaine with epinephrine to ease the discomfort as well as to decrease the potential for bruising. Since the injections are very superficial, bruising can sometimes happen when those very small superficial capillaries bleed. Most of our clients however have had no to little bruising and tolerate the procedure very well with topical anesthetic and lots of icing during procedure.

When treating fine lines and wrinkles with Belotero Balance, most often we use a threading technique, injecting very superficially very high up in the dermis where the area almost blanches a little upon injection. The area is then massaged well to spread the product.

As with all hyaluronic acid fillers, Belotero Balance is hydrophilic (water attracting) which may cause some initial swelling. This minor swelling however may persist for only one to two days following the procedure. Minor erythema (redness) at the site can also happen which most often lasts only for a day or two as well.